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At this point, those Governors and county magistrates realized that the messenger had never left. By the time they sought to plead for mercy, the messenger had already departed.
Upon learning about the high-yield grain seeds, all the people in the north were delighted. Previously, they had envied the regions capable of growing high-yield rice, but now they could also cultivate high-yield wheat and corn.
After returning to the capital, the messenger submitted the list to Xuan Feiran. “Your Majesty, all the lists are here.”
Xuan Feiran looked at the names on the list with a slightly cold expression. “Very well. You have worked hard. You may go and rest.”
“It was not hard at all, Your Majesty.”
Xuan Feiran wrote a letter to Su Yu.
Upon receiving the letter, Su Yu furrowed his brows slightly and called for Wang Jingyu and the others while they were at home. “Su Yu, do you have something to discuss with us?”
“Yes, indeed. His Majesty has sent me a message to inform you that if you pass the palace examination this year, you will be directly dispatched to the north. Some of the Governors and county magistrates there have not shown proper judgment, and His Majesty intends to replace them. The individuals selected from this year’s palace examination will be the best choices. You may be directly appointed to the position of governor, and you will be responsible for distributing the grain seeds at that time.”
Wang Jingyu and the others looked at Su Yu in astonishment, not expecting the situation to have escalated to this point.
“We understand.”
“Prepare well. Next month, you will depart for the capital. If you and Qin Lang wish to get married before taking up your positions, I will ask His Majesty to give you time. However, if you have this intention, it’s best to start choosing a date now.”
Qin Lang furrowed his brow. He was well aware that once he went to the north, he and Su Shan would be unable to see each other for a long time. He had no idea how long it would take even for a single return. It would be best if they could get married first.
“Alright, I will discuss it with my parents when I return.”
“Okay.”
Wang Jingyu had a similar idea to Qin Lang. He also hoped to take his wife with him after getting married, rather than being away for a long time alone.
“Once you’ve made your decision, let me know, especially you, Qin Lang. After you’ve made your decision, I will inform the elders.”
“Okay.”
After returning home, Qin Lang discussed the matter with his family. Upon hearing his words, Qin Lang’s parents immediately decided to accompany their son to the capital. They made their decision, and the child went to take the examination.
The next day, Qin Lang came to inform Su Yu and Su Xi about the decision. Su Xi nodded in agreement and said, “In that case, I will return to the capital.”
“Grandfather, I will have someone escort you back.”
“Alright.”
With Qin Lang’s decision made, Wang Jingyu also decided to get married before taking the examination in the capital.
When the couple, Yu Qingfeng and his wife, discussed the matter with Wen Sitong’s parents, they were somewhat reluctant, as they had hoped to keep their daughter with them for another two years. However, upon hearing that Wang Jingyu would be directly appointed to a position in the north if he passed the examination this year, they set a wedding date after discussing the matter with Yu Qingfeng.
Since the engagement of the two children, they had made all the necessary preparations and were not worried about running out of time.
It was now August 17th, and after discussions, both families decided to hold the wedding on September 8th, giving them plenty of time to prepare.
After setting the date, the next day, the Yu family formally presented the betrothal gifts. Although not as extravagant as the one Su Yu gave to Wang Jinhe, it was still the first of its kind in the entire Fu’an County. The betrothal gifts alone amounted to 99,900 taels of silver.
The amount of the betrothal gifts astonished the onlookers, and the families with daughters were envious of the Wen family. Some even wished they could accept the betrothal gifts on behalf of the Wen family.
The parents of Wen Sitong, although not greedy for money, were naturally delighted to see their in-laws giving them such face and welcomed them with smiles.
Wang Jinhe and Su Yu, along with their children, also came to join in the festivities and to see how the Wen family was doing. Wen Sitong had an older brother who was already married, and a younger brother who was studying at the academy and was thirteen years old.
He greatly admired Wang Jingyu.
Before the meal, Wang Jinhe noticed that the children were making a lot of noise, so she took them to play in the small garden.
“Sister, don’t be foolish and let your in-laws take all that money for your little sister-in-law. That’s a hundred thousand taels of silver.”
“That’s the betrothal gift for Tongtong. Even if it’s given to her, it’s what she deserve.”
“Why are you so naive? If you keep the money at home, you and brother-in-law can plan how to use it. Then you can also contribute to the family later.”
When Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law heard this, she couldn’t help but understand the reasoning. It seemed that she wanted to claim the betrothal gifts for herself.
Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law sneered and said, “You are really shameless to scheme against my own in-laws.”
“How can you speak like that? Don’t forget that you are part of our family.”
“They told me that a married daughter is like spilled water. Do you want me to bring out the dowry they gave me back then? I have repaid everything I owed over the years, and I won’t give anything that I don’t owe.” With that, she walked away.
Wang Jinhe raised her eyebrows. She had expected the prospective sister-in-law to agree, but she was surprised by her response. It seemed that the Wen family was quite remarkable.
After the meal, Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law’s younger sister’s eyes lit up when she saw the bracelets on the hands of Wang Jinhe’s two children. After the meal, she kept approaching the children.
“They are so cute. Can I hold them?”
“No,” Wang Jinhe said expressionlessly as the other person eagerly anticipated.
The other person’s face stiffened. “Why not?”
“Since a while ago, your eyes have been fixed on my son and daughter’s hands. Even when you said they were cute and wanted to hold them, your eyes were still on their hands. I wonder why?” Wang Jinhe looked at the other person with a gentle smile.
How could Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law not know her sister’s character? Just like her mother, she was superficial.
“County Princess, I’m sorry. My younger sister is not very bright. Please don’t take offense.”
“When you return to your family, please inform your father and stepmother. If she is unwell, it’s best not to let her out. It wouldn’t be good if she accidentally offended someone, don’t you think?” Wang Jinhe spoke gently, but her words were as sharp as nails.
Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law had a poor relationship with her family, and she was naturally pleased to see her stepmother and stepsister embarrassed in front of the County Princess.
“County Princess, rest assured, I will inform them later. But it’s best not to let anyone hold the children so casually.”
Wang Jinhe noticed Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law’s unusual interest in her, but she had no intention of letting her stepsister hold the children. “That’s only natural,” she said.
Wen Sitong’s sister-in-law dragged her sister away, and when they reached a corner, her sister raised her hand as if to strike her, but she was caught by the wrist. “You want to claim ownership of someone else’s children’s bracelets? Do you want to die? Those are the County Princess’s children. Are you looking for trouble?”